Contemporary and Popular Music

Admissions: 1-877-UMA-1234 ext. 3465 or (207) 621-3465
Advising Center: 1-877-UMA-1234 ext. 3149 or (207) 621-3149
Coordinator: Anita Jerosch
Website: www.uma.edu/academics/programs/music/

Bachelor of Music in Contemporary and Popular Music

Intro/Overview

In the bachelor of music in contemporary and popular music program, students study jazz and contemporary popular music an intimate, supportive musical community. The curriculum is intentionally broad-based and welcomes students with diverse musical backgrounds, including backgrounds in rock and popular music. Students enjoy close contact with the faculty and have access to a fully-equipped professional recording studio.

Program Objectives

As they progress in the program, students choose an emphasis from one of the following concentration areas: performance, sonic arts and composition, music education or audio technology. The bachelor’s program can lead directly to careers in the fields of contemporary and popular music or music education, or to further study in graduate school. Students in this program can expect exposure to jazz (classic, Latin and contemporary), popular (rock, progressive rock, rhythm and blues, and more) and classical (traditional and contemporary) styles.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the degree, graduates will:

be prepared for entry into appropriate post-baccalaureate degree programs in music
have learned to play their primary instrument well, to a high intermediate or advanced level in contemporary and popular music styles and be familiar with the performance conventions of other appropriate styles
have knowledge of the components of “professionalism” within the field of music
be well educated in the areas of music theory, aural skills, music history and the business of music
have skills in the use of music technology
have learned to improvise on their primary instruments competently and appropriately in a range of jazz and contemporary styles and show evidence of an emerging personal style
be able to arrange, compose and orchestrate at least at an intermediate level
be well educated generally and have good written and spoken communication skills
have teaching skills appropriate for providing studio instruction
have gained a solid foundation in audio recording and studio procedures
have gained a solid foundation in the theory and history of European classical music, contemporary and popular music, and various world music styles
have developed an understanding of digital and analog recording technology
have developed knowledge and skills in the use of standard analog and digital processors such as compressors, expanders and effects units
have developed session management skills and people skills
be able to work effectively in an audio studio

Admissions Requirements (see UMA general requirements )

Audition on major instrument

Advising

All students are required to meet with their advisors prior to registration. Incoming students take a Music Theory placement test. An advisor’s signature or electronic equivalent is required for registration. Students are encouraged to continue to meet with their advisors on a regular basis to help ensure a productive and meaningful college experience.

Advanced Standing

Students who have acquired knowledge and skills in music by means other than taking college courses may petition the department for the opportunity to take challenge exams. Based upon results, students may be given waivers, with or without course credit, for specific requirements. Ordinarily, this method of obtaining advanced placement is restricted to 100- and 200-level requirements. The student is charged a fee for each challenge exam administered. A limit of 16 credit hours per student for challenge exams is imposed.

Special Fees for Private Music Lessons

In addition to a $50 music major fee, which is charged every semester to all music majors, there are lesson fees associated with the applied music sequence of courses. There are lab fees charged for courses associated with the recording studio and digital music. Lesson and lab fees are paid in addition to tuition and are subject to change. These fees are posted in each semester’s course guide.

Graduation Requirements

Upon successful completion of the program requirements and the graduation requirements listed below, the student will be awarded a bachelor of music in contemporary and popular music degree.

completion of 125 credit hours
minimum GPA of 2.00 in MUS courses
minimum GPA of 2.00

Associate of Science in Contemporary and Popular Music

Learning Outcomes

In the associate of science in contemporary and popular music program, students study jazz and contemporary popular music an intimate, supportive musical community. The curriculum is intentionally broad-based and welcomes students with diverse musical backgrounds, including backgrounds in rock and popular music. Students enjoy close contact with the faculty and have access to a fully-equipped professional recording studio. In their course of study, students acquire foundational skills that will help them attain a career in music performance or entrance into a baccalaureate program. Students in this program can expect exposure to jazz (classic, Latin and contemporary), popular (rock, progressive rock, rhythm and blues, and more) and classical (traditional and contemporary) styles. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will:

have learned to play their primary instrument to at least an intermediate level in jazz and contemporary styles and be familiar with the performance conventions of other appropriate styles
have knowledge of the components of “professionalism” within the field of music
be well educated in the areas of music theory, aural skills, music history and the business of music
have learned to improvise on their primary instruments to at least an intermediate level in a range of jazz and contemporary styles and show evidence of an emerging personal style
be well educated generally and have good written and spoken communication skills

Transfer

The curriculum is designed to facilitate maximum transferability of credits to a baccalaureate program. In the current 2+2 agreement with the University of Maine (UM) [Orono], qualifying UMA students may transfer to UM to continue study. Completion of the UM baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of two years of additional study after completion of the UMA associate of science degree.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing may be awarded to students for MUS courses on the basis of transfer credit or the passing of challenge examinations. Students must petition for advanced standing by submitting the appropriate forms to the music department. Ordinarily, the limit for advanced standing in MUS courses would be 15 credit hours. Beyond this, required MUS courses might be waived but the student would be required to earn credit in other courses equivalent to the credit attached to waived courses.

Advising

All students are required to meet with their advisors prior to registration. An advisor’s signature or electronic equivalent is required for registration. Students are encouraged to continue to meet with their advisors on a regular basis to help ensure a productive and meaningful college experience.

Junior Standing Jury: to be done prior to acceptance into the Baccalaureate program in music (optional for AS degree)

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Music degree is an important preparatory step to many music-related careers. The student’s choice of concentration area will be a significant determining element in the career path. (Additional or graduate study will be required for careers in some of these areas.) A few highlights include:

Performing professional musician
Composer/songwriter
Recording engineer
Digital music specialist
K-12 Music educator
College-level educator (graduate studies required)
Private music lesson instructor
Touring and Road work
Music retail
Music/artist management
Church music director

Programs

Associate of Science

Contemporary & Popular Music, AS

Bachelor of Music

Contemporary & Popular Music, BM

Minor